Patent Etui jammed closed

I'm unable to open my KW Patent Etui 9x12cm. The release button is stuck in the fully depressed position and the camera remains closed. I would prefer to resolve this without cutting, hacking, drilling, or prying. I've had a close look at my other Etui and it appears that at the hinge end, there are two tiny screws on each side of the body, under the leather, that are holding the door in place. I'm tempted to remove these but am inhibited by a history of generally poor results from my attempts to fix things. Any advice would be most welcome.